Through it is better than around it

Why does God let bad things happen to good people? That’s an age old question that you have probably asked yourself while going through a difficult time. I spent the Saturday before Valentine’s Day hosting a brunch for 150 widows at a local church. Even though my first husband passed away eleven years ago, hearing the stories of these women brought those tough early days back into focus. I remember asking, “WHY?”. We were relatively young and had so many plans, but as the days turned into weeks, I went through the grief with the help of close friends, family, and most of all the presence of the Holy Spirit. I literally felt Him walking me through those days, weeks and eventually I went from healing to thriving. I realized walking through the tough stuff was better than swallowing my feelings and trying to go around the difficulties. My prayers are with these women and anyone who has lost a loved one – or going through any kind of journey that seems unfair. God wants you to persevere for so many reasons, and He will not forsake you.

Romans 5:3-4 says, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.”